bullroarer

British  

/ ˈbʊlˌrɔːrə /

noun

1. a wooden slat attached to a thong that makes a roaring sound when the thong is whirled: used esp by native Australians in religious rites

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Example Sentences

I almost backed into a percussionist swinging a bullroarer, a small piece of carved wood with holes that makes a low humming sound when twirled on a cord.

From New York Times • Jun. 8, 2012

Though treated as a toy by Europeans, the bullroarer has had the highest mystic significance and sanctity among primitive people.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

A Maori bullroarer is preserved in the British Museum, and travellers in Africa state that it is known and held sacred there.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

Thus among the Egba tribe of the Yoruba race the supposed "Voice of Oro," their god of vengeance, is produced by a bullroarer, which is actually worshipped as the god himself.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

The sanctity of the bullroarer has been shown to be very widespread.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various